Edmond Shipway also worked on the 365-acre Woburn Forest resort in Bedfordshire, a £250m project that was completed in 2014 to become the brand’s fifth park in the UK alongside Sherwood, Longleat, Whinfell and Elveden.

Mr Stevenson said the Longford scheme remained on budget despite “heat” in the Irish market and volatility in exchange rates.

He added: “Preparation works are well underway, with trees felled, our road network established and lodge foundations and utilities installation ongoing.

“The site is fully established to receive the lodge and central facilities contractors and we remain confident that we will be able to deliver the scheme on time and to budget as achieved with Center Parcs Woburn Forest.”

Center Parcs CEO Martin Dalby

Center Parcs, which has its head office in New Ollerton, estimates that the new holiday village will add £29m a year to Ireland’s GDP.